There are only a little over three months until the return of college football, but the draft cycle keeps on ticking. The 2023 quarterback class was strong, but all anyone could talk about was the strength of this upcoming class. Let’s take a look at the top five draft eligible quarterbacks heading into the 2023-2024 season.
1. Caleb Williams – Southern California
Of course, the reigning Heisman winner is going to lead off this list. The dynamic USC quarterback is a mastermind escape artist who can make any throw from any arm angle, on any platform. He’s the ultimate competitor and never gives up on a play.
Williams has effortless accuracy with top notch arm strength. He’s drawn comparisons to Patrick Mahomes and actually lives up to those comparisons. While Williams lost his number one target in Jordan Addison, Lincoln Riley will continue to put him in the best position to succeed. Even if Williams’s performance dips slightly from 2022, he will still likely be the first overall pick come next April.
2. Drake Maye – North Carolina
Drake Maye and Caleb WIlliams are almost locks to be the first two quarterbacks taken in the Draft. Maye is an electric, dual-threat quarterback who has ridiculous arm talent. He’s an A+ creator as a runner and is willing to take a big hit for a few extra yards. He’s drawn comparisons to Andrew Luck, Justin Herbert, and more, but he isn’t quite as refined as those former top picks.
Maye’s supporting cast is a bit lackluster, leading him to play heroball more often than not. Maye has a tendency to drift in the pocket, and often looks to run when things break down. While he’s not quite as sure of a thing as Williams, Maye should be in the conversation as a franchise-altering quarterback.
3. Michael Penix Jr. – Washington
A lefty with an absolute cannon, Michael Penix Jr. transferred to Washington, and his game exploded. He could have declared last season, and likely would have been a late first or early second-rounder, but he stayed for one final season at Washington.
Penix does have some injury concerns, and will be a 24 year-old rookie, but if he can stay healthy and put together yet another dominative season, there’s no reason he won’t be selected in the first round.
4. Bo Nix – Oregon
One of the best redemption stories of 2022 was Bo Nix’s revival in Eugene, Oregon. The Auburn transfer was seen as a mediocre quarterback prior to his first season for the Ducks, but stunned all collegiate fans as he elevated his game to new heights.
Nix doesn’t have the arm talent of Maye or the escapability of Williams, but he’s a willing competitor who is best in an RPO-heavy offense. He may not be a quarterback you win because of, but he certainly won’t lose you any games. Nix will likely hear his name called in the second round, but there’s no reason to think he can’t be a quality NFL starter.
5. Quinn Ewers – Texas
The former top overall high school recruit turned Texas transfer, Ewers has had quite the dramatic college career thus far. With many skeptical as to what he could become, Ewers was essential in helping bring Texas football back to relevancy, and had he nearly took out the number one ranked Alabama in the process.
Ewers has the arm talent to be an elite NFL quarterback, but you need to see him be more consistent. With a full year of this offense under his belt, along with better weapons on the outside, Ewers could propel himself into the first round conversation, and perhaps even into the top-10.
